Door closer



F. H. PITTENGER March 29,1960

DOOR CLOSER 3 Sheets-Sheet l I Filed March 4, 1957 INVENTOR; FRANCIS H. P/7'7'ENGEE UM M562;

ATTORNEYS March 29,19 0 F. H. PITTENGER 2,930,071

DOOR CLOSER Filed March 4, 1957 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 L7 IN VEN TOR.

FRANCIS H. PITTENGER AT TORNE Y5 March 29, 1960 F. H. PITTENGER 2,930,071

DOOR CLOSER Filed March 1, 1957 s Sheets-Sheet a INVENTOR.

FRANCIS H. P/TTENGER y y afi A TTORNE Y5 P r 2,930,071 Patented Mar. 29, 1960 DOOR CLOSER Francis H. Pittenger, Shelby, Ohio, assignor to The Shelby Spring Hinge Company, Shelby, Ohio, a corporation i0 Application March '4, 1957, Serial No. 643,597

11 Claims. (CI. 16-55) This invention relates to apparatus for closing doors and particularly to an apparatus of this type provided with a novel mechanism for holding the door in an open position. V

In general the apparatus of the present invention com prises a sealed casing adapted to be mounted in the floor at the base of the pivotal axis of a door. The casing houses both a mechanism for closing the door at a controlled rate of closure and an associated mechanism for holding the door in an open position when desired against the closing force exerted by the spring of the closure mechanism.

According to the present invention the hold-open mechanism is adapted to automatically become operative when the door is completely opened but prior to movement of the door intothe completely open position and prior to operation of the hold-open mechanism a built-in supplemental resistance becomes operative which resistance prevents the mechanism from being inadvertently moved into the hold-open position during ordinary use of the door.

The novel hold-open mechanism of the present invention is particularly adaptable to torsion spring type door closing apparatus due to its compactness whereby 'such hold-open mechanism can be mounted completely within one end of a casing the other end of which houses the torsion spring that provides the torque for closing the door.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to pro vide a door closing apparatus that incorporates an improved hold-open mechanism that automatically becomes operative when the door is moved to a completely open position.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a door closing apparatus that incorporates an improved hold-open mechanism that automatically becomes operative when the door ,is moved to a completely open position, and which includes means for resisting movement of the door into such open position'so that the hold-open mechanism does not become operative during normal use of the door.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide an improved door closing apparatus which incorporates both a torsion spring type door closing mechanism and an associated hold-open mechanism compactly mounted within a single casing.

Further objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description, reference being bad to the accompanying drawings wherein a preferred form of embodiment of the invention is clearly shown.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a plan view of a door closing apparatus constructed according to the present invention;

Figure 2 is a side sectional view of the apparatus of Figure 1 with the section being taken along line 22 of Figure 1; and w Figures 3-A through 3-0 are top sectional views of the apparatus of the preceding figures with the sections being taken along the line 3-3 of Figure 2.

Referring in detail to the drawings, Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a door closing apparatus constructed according to the present invention and indicated generally at 20. The apparatus 20 includes a sealed casing indicated generally at 21 having side walls 22 and 23, end walls 24 and 25, bottom wall 26 and a top wall 27. Casing 21 further includes a boss 30 provided with a bearing hole 31 through which is extended a crank 32. The upper end of crank 32 carries a horizontally disposed arm 35 fastened to the lower edge of a door 36 by a plurality of screws 37.

As seen in Figure 2, casing 21 is set into floor 38 so that upper wall 27 is flush with the upper surface of floor 38. If desired, casing 21 can be mounted in an open topped metal box, not illustrated, which serves as a form about which concrete can be poured when floor 38 is formed. Hence casing 21 can be readily removed from a concrete floor for inspection or repair if required.

With reference to Figures 2, 3-A, 3-B, and 3-C, the apparatus further includes a torsion spring 40 seated in a spring mounting plate '41. The upper end of spring 40 bears against a rotatable cover member 43 carried in a hole 44 in top wall 27. Spring mounting plate 41 is rotatably mounted on a pin 46 which has its upper end mounted in a hole in cover member 43 and its lower end mounted in a hole in bottom wall 26.

With reference to Figure 2, the upper end termination 48 of torsion spring 40 is anchored to cover plate 43 at a shoulder 50 formed integrally with cover 43. A shoulder of this type is illustrated in the US. Letters Patent No. 1,832,699 to Garrison and is indicated therein as shoulder 43. 'As seen in Figure 3-A the lower end termination 52 of spring 40 is anchored to spring mounting plate 41 at a shoulder 53 similar to shoulder 50 described above. It will be understood that with such spring mounting arrangement when cover member 43 is rotated in hole 44, and rotation of spring mounting plate '41 is resisted, then torsion spring .40 can be wound or unwound about the axis of pin 46 whereby the preloaded torque exerted by ing screws 55'may be removed whereby cover member" 43 can be lifted out of hole 44 to provide an opening for removal of spring 40 from the casing.

Reference is next made to Figures 3-A, 3-B, and 3-C for the purpose of describing the novel hold-open mechanism of the present invention. The torque exerted by torsion spring 40 is transmitted to crank 32 by means of the mechanism illustrated. The lower end of crank 32 carries a bearing plate 60 keyed to the crank for rotation therewith and a follower 61 is carried adjacent the periphery of bearing plate 60. Follower 61 engages a surface 62 on cam 63, the latter being pivotally mounted to bottom wall 26 at a pin 65. When the door is moved from a closed position of Figure 3-A towards the resistance position of Figure 3-B roller 61 will move along surface 62 of cam 63 and pivot cam 63 about pin 65 in a counterclockwise direction. Since a link 66 connects cam 63 with an arm 68 integrally formed on spring mounting plate 41 it will be understood that spring mounting plate 41 and torsion spring 40 will be pivoted about pin 46 in a clockwise direction. This tends to wind torsion spring 40 tighter whereby such spring resists open-- ing of the door and serves to close the door when released. It will be noted that one end of link 66 is pivot ally connected to cam 63 at a pin 69 and the other end of link 66 is pivotally connected to arm 68 at a pin 70.

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With reference to Figure 3'-B, the hold-open mechanismis illustrated in a resistance position, just' prior to entering the hold-open position of Figure 3-C. In such resistance position a protrusion 72 on surface 62 resists movement of follower 61 from the position of Figure 3-B to the position of'Figure 3-C, wherein the follower enters a recess in said surface serving to hold the door open, since movement of the follower 61 over the protrusion 72 requires additional winding of torsion spring 46. Hence it will be understood that a definite resistance will be encountered by a person opening the door when the mechanism arrives at the position of Figure 3-B whereby the door will not be inadvertently moved into the hold-open position of Figure 3-C during ordinary use.

Referring next to Figure 2, bottom wall 26 of casing 21' includes a removable plug 73 mounted in a threaded hole 74. Plug 73 carries bearing ring 75 and thrust bearings 76 for mounting the lower end of crank 32. A plurality of holes 78 in plug 73 are provided for receiving the protrusions of a suitable spanner wrench whereby plug 73 can be tightened in or removed from bottom wall 26 to provide an opening for mounting crank 32 in casing 21.

With continued reference to Figure 2, the rate of closure of door 36 is retarded by the action of a dash pot mechanism indicated generally at 89. Such mechanism includes a piston 81, connecting rod 82, and cylinder 83'. Cylinder 83 may be mounted within sealed casing 21 in any suitable manner. For example, a screw, not illustrated, can be extended through a threaded hole in the casing and tightened down against cylinder 83 to clamp the cylinder against a shoulder in the casing. Such dash pot mounting arrangement is illustrated in. US. Letters Patent No. 1,832,699 to Garrison. When piston 81 is moved to the right, as viewed in Figure 2, by rotation of crank 32, fluid is expelled from the interior of cylinder 83 through a controlled orifice 85. The crosssectional area of orifice 85 can be varied by adjusting a needle valve 86 whereby the rate of fluid flow through orifice 85 is readily controlled.

When piston 81 is moved to the left, as viewed in Figure 2, by rotation of crank 32, then a ball check valve 88 is opened by fluid pressure to permit free passage of fluid from the interior of casing 21 through passage 90 to the interior of cylinder 83. When piston 81 is moved to the right ball check valve 88 is. biased closed by fluid pressure whereby fluid can escape only through controlled orifice 85. Hence it will be understood that dash pot 86 provides unidirectional resistance to rotation of crank 32 only in one direction of rotation, that is, the direction crank 32 is rotated by closing of door 36.

As seen in Figure 2, the upper end of crank 32 is provided with a bearing 93 carried by boss 30 and a sealing element 94 retained in place by a threaded cap 95.

In operation of the present apparatus, casing 21 is preferably filled with a suitable hydraulic oil for operation of dash pot 80 and lubrication of the moving parts of the mechanism. It will be understood, however, that the apparatus will function when the casing is filled with other suitable fluids such as glycerin or water.

As is best seen in Figures 3-A and 3-B, as door 35 is opened the mechanical advantage available for winding torsion spring 40 progressively decreases as the line of contact between follower 61 and cam surface 62 approaches closer to pivot 65 of cam 63. Hence it will be understood that the resistance to opening exerted on door 35 progressively increases as the door is opened. As. the. door closes, the force exerted by torsion spring 40. will of course progressively decrease.

It should be pointed out that in movement of the holdopen mechanism from the resistance position of Figure 3-B to the hold-open position of Figure 3-C the pressure point of cam surface 62 on follower 61 is moved beyond .4 dead center, i.e. beyond an imaginary plane normal to cam surface 62; As" the pressure point of cam surface 32 on follower 61 passes through plane 100, it will be understood that the torque exerted by torsion spring 40 will cease to urge closure of door 36 and commence to become effective in maintaining door 36 in an open position.

It should also be pointed out that the mechanism illustrated in the drawings is suitable for left-handed doors, it being understood that right-handed mechanisms can be constructed without departing from the spirit of the invention by merely changing the directions of rotation and location of the elements.

While the form of embodiment of the present invention as herein disclosed constitutes a preferred form, it is to be understood that other forms might be adopted, all coming within the scope of the claims which follow.

I claim:

1. An improved door closing apparatus comprising, in combination, a casing including a bearing; shaft means rotatably carried by said bearing and including attaching means for attachment to a door; an arm pivotally mounted to said casing; spring means carried by said casing and operatively connected to said pivoted arm for urging rotation of said arm about its pivotal mounting; a cam pivotally mounted to said casing and including a surface; a link having a first pivotal connection with said pivoted arm and a second pivotal connection with said cam; and a follower carried by said shaft means and in engagement with said surface of said cam whereby opening of said door moves said follower along said cam surface from a closed door position wherein said follower lies on one side of a dead center and is urged closed to an, open door position wherein said follower lies on the other side of said dead center and is urged open.

2. An improved door closing apparatus comprising, in combination, a. casing including a bearing; shaft means rotatably carried by said bearing and including attaching means for attachment to a door; an arm pivotally mounted to said casing; spring means carried by said casing and operatively connected to said pivoted arm for urging rotation of said arm about its pivotal mounting; a cam pivotally mounted to said casing and including a surface; a link having a first pivotal connection with said pivotal arm and a second pivotal connection with said cam; a follower carried by said shaft means and in engagement with said surface of said cam whereby opening of said door moves said follower along said cam. surface from a closed door position wherein said follower lies on one side of a dead center and is urged closed to an open door position wherein said follower lies on the other side of said dead center and is urged open; and a protrusion on said surface of said cam in the path of movement of said follower between said two positions.

3. An improved door closing apparatus comprising, in combination, a casing including a bearing; shaft means pivotally mounted in said bearing and including attaching means for attachment to a door; a rotatable cover portion carried by a wall of said casing; a pin having one end mounted to the center of said cover portion and the other end. mounted. to an opposite wall of said casing; an arm pivotally mounted. to said pin; a coiled torsion spring means surrounding said pin and operatively connected between said rotatable cover portion and said arm whereby rotation of said cover portion varies the torque applied by said spring means to said arm; means for lock ing said cover portion in various positions of rotation relative to said casing; a cam pivotally mounted to said casing and including a surface; a link having a first piv' otal connection with said pivoted arm and a second pivotal connection With said cam; and a follower carried by said shaft means and in engagement with said surface of said cam whereby opening of said door moves said follower along said cam surface from a closed door position wherein said follower lies on one side of a deed center and is urged closed to an open door position wherein said follower lies on the other side of said dead center and is urged open.

4. An improved door closing apparatus comprising, in combination, a casing including a bearing; crank means rotatably carried by said bearing and including attaching means for attachment to a door; an arm pivotally mounted to said casing; spring means carried by said casing and operatively connected to said pivoted arm for urging rotation of said arm about its pivotal mounting; a cam pivotally mounted to said casing and including a surface; a link having a first pivotal connection with said pivoted arm and a second pivotal connection with said cam; a follower carried by said crank means and in engagem'ent with said surface of said cam whereby opening of said door moves said follower along said cam surface from a closed door position wherein said follower lies on one side of a dead center and is urged closed to an open door position wherein said follower lies on the other side of said plane; and damping means operatively connected to said crank means for controlling the rate of movement of said door.

5. An improved door closing apparatus comprising, in combination, a casing including a bearing; crank means rotatably carried by said bearing and including attaching means for attachment to a door; an arm pivotally mounted to said casing; spring means carried by said casing and operatively connected to said pivoted arm for urging rotation of said arm about its pivotal mounting; a cam pivotally mounted to said casing and including a surface; a link having a first pivotal connection with said pivoted arm and a second pivotal connection with said cam; a follower carried by said crank means and in engagement with said surface of said cam whereby opening of said door moves said follower along said cam surface from a closed door position wherein said follower lies on one side of a dead center and is urged closed to an open door position wherein said follower lies on the other side of said dead center and is urged open; a protrusion on said surface of said cam in the path of movement of said follower between said two positions; and damping means operatively connected to said crank for controlling the rate of movement of said door.

6. An improved door closing apparatus comprising, in combination, a casing including a bearing; crank means pivotally mounted in said bearing and including attaching means for attachment to a door; a rotatable cover portion carried by a wall of said casing; a pin having one end mounted to the center of said cover portion and the other end mounted to an opposite wall of said casing; an arm pivotally mounted to said pin; a coiled torsion spring means surrounding said pin and operatively connected between said rotatable cover portion and said arm whereby rotation of said cover portion varies the torque applied by said spring means to said arm; means for locking said cover portion in various positions of rotation relative to said casing; a cam pivotally mounted to said casing and including a surface; a link having a first pivotal connection with said pivoted arm and a second pivotal connection with said cam; a follower carried by said crank means and in engagement with said surface of said cam whereby opening of said door moves said follower along said cam surface from a closed door position wherein said follower lies on one side of a dead center and is urged closed to an open door position wherein said follower lies on the other side of said dead center and is urged open; and damping means operatively connected to said crank means for controlling the rate of movement of said door.

7. In an apparatus for closing a door, the combination of easing means containing a hydraulic fluid; a shaft rotatably carried by said casing means and including an end extending to the exterior of said casing means for attachment to a door; a follower carried by said shaft eccentric of the axis of rotation thereof; a cam pivotally mounted within'said casing means and in engagement with said follower; spring means within said casing means for applying torque to said cam about said pivotal mounting for moving said door from an open to a closed position said cam and follower being movable through a dead center position to a hold open position wherein said spring means urges said door towards said hold open position; damping means including a pistonand cylinder within said casing means and communicating therewith to admit hydraulic fluid therefrom and expel said fluid during door closing movement for retarding the rate of closure of said door; and latch means on said cam and within said casing means for retaining said door in said open position.

8. In an apparatus for closing a door, the combination of casing means containing a hydraulic fluid; a shaft rotatably carried by said casing means and including an end extending to the exterior of said casing means for attachment to a door; a follower carried by said shaft eccentric of the axis of rotation thereof; a cam pivotally mounted within said casing means and in engagement with said follower; spring means within said casing means for applying torque to said cam about said pivotal mounting for moving said door from an open to a closed position said cam and follower being movable through a dead center position to a hold open position wherein said spring means urges said door towards said hold open position; damping means including a piston and cylinder within said casing means and communicating therewith to admit hydraulic fluid therefrom and expel said fluid during door closing movement for retarding the rate of closure of said door; latch means on said cam and within said casing means and operative in said open position for holding said door therein; and means on said cam and within said casing means providing a resistance opposing latching of said latch means.

, 9. In an apparatus for closing a door, the combination of casing means containing a hydraulic fluid; a shaft rotatably carried by said casing means and including an end extending to the exterior of said casing means for attachment to a door; a follower carried by said shaft eccentric of the axis of rotation thereof; a cam pivotally mounted within said casing means and in engagement with said follower; spring means within said casing means for applying torque to said cam about said pivotal mounting for moving said door from an open to a closed position said cam and follower being movable through a dead center position to a hold open position wherein said spring means urges said door towards said hold open position; damping means including a piston and cylinder within said casing means and communicating therewith to admit hydraulic fluid therefrom and expel said fluid during door closing movement for retarding the rate of a closure of said door; latch means on said cam and within said casing means for retaining said door in said open position; and means for varying the torque applied to said shaft by said spring means.

10. An improved door closing apparatus comprising, in combination, a casing including a bearing; shaft means rotatably carried by said bearing and including an end portion for attachment to a door; torsion spring means mounted to said casing; a cam element operatively connected to one of said means and including a cam surface; a follower element operatively connected to other of said means and in engagement with said cam surface whereby opening of said door moves said follower element and cam element against force exerted by said spring means to a predetermined position wherein said follower element has moved beyond a dead center defined by a plane passing through the center of said shaft means and normal to said cam surface, said cam element having a recess coacting with and latching said follower element in said predetermined position; and a link having a first @QQQQTL 7 pivotal connection with said torsion spring means and, a second pivotal connection with one of said elements.

11. An improved: door closing apparatus comprising, in combination, a casingincluding a bearing; shaftmeans rotatably carried by said heating and including an end portion for attachment to a door; spring means mounted to. said casing; a cam operatively connected to said spring means and having a cam surface; a follower operatively connected to said shaft means and in engagement with said cam, surface whereby opening of said door moves said follower against force exerted by said spring means to a predetermined position wherein said follower has moved beyond a dead center defined by a plane passing through the center of said shaft means and normal to said cam surface; means for latching said follower and cam in said open door configuration; a link forming said perative connection hetvveenisaid pringmeans, andaid cam;-. and amping meansoperatively' connected. to said, shaft means for controlling the rate of movement: ofi said;

do r- References Cited inlthefile of this; patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 366,711 Bardsley July- 19, 1887. 873,433 Henry ---.--i-- Dec. 10, 190] 1,832,699 Garrison v-.- Nov, 17, 1931 2,585,625 Carlson; Feb. 12, 1952,

FO E GN TE S 250,756 Gr a ta n Apr. 22. 1926; 291,453 Switze l d. -v--.--.--.--.-. S P 1. 1,953: 

